The Hunchback of Notre-Dame

The Hunchback of Notre-Dame is notable for its sympathetic depiction of the Romany (also spelled Romani) people in France. Often referred to pejoratively as “gypsies,” which is how they are described in the source text, Romany people are a diverse ethnic group whose roots trace back to the Indian subcontinent. Their journey into Europe began around the 11th century. By the early 15th century, some groups had reached Western Europe, including France. The first recorded mention of the Romany people in France dates back to 1419, when a group arrived in Paris. They were initially received with curiosity and interest and were often mistaken for pilgrims because of their unfamiliar customs and attire. They were often described as exotic and were believed to possess mystical knowledge and skills, such as fortune-telling and metalwork.

In 1504, King Louis XII issued an edict expelling the Romany people from France, marking the beginning of a long history of persecution. Driven by economic concerns, xenophobia, and the desire for social control, subsequent rulers continued to enforce harsh measures against them, including forced assimilation, expulsion, and imprisonment. During the ancient régime, the French monarchy and the Catholic Church played significant roles in shaping the lives of the Romany people. The authorities often viewed them as a threat to social order and sought to control or eliminate them. Laws were enacted that criminalized their way of life, including their nomadism, and subjected them to severe punishments. Despite these hardships, the Romany people managed to maintain their cultural identity and traditions. Their skills in trades such as blacksmithing, animal trading, and entertainment allowed them to survive, albeit under constant threat of persecution.

In the early 20th century, discrimination against the Romany people in France continued. Restrictive laws limited their movement and economic activities, while the rise of nationalist and xenophobic ideologies across Europe further marginalized them, casting them as outsiders and scapegoats for various social and economic issues. During World War II, the Romany in France, like their counterparts across Nazi-occupied Europe, faced severe persecution. The Vichy regime, collaborating with Nazi Germany, implemented policies that led to the internment of thousands of Romany people in concentration camps. These camps, such as those at Montreuil-Bellay and Saliers, were marked by appalling conditions, forced labor, and high mortality rates. The persecution of the Romany people during the Holocaust, known as the Porajmos, resulted in the deaths of tens of thousands across Europe.

In the latter half of the 20th century, the civil rights movements and growing awareness of human rights led to some positive changes. The Romany people began to organize and advocate for their rights, forming associations and working with nongovernmental organizations. International bodies, such as the United Nations and the Council of Europe, also started to address the issues facing the Romany people, promoting policies of inclusion and antidiscrimination. Despite these efforts, the Romany people in France continued to face significant challenges. In recent years, their situation in France has garnered increased attention, both domestically and internationally. High-profile incidents, such as the 2010 expulsion of Romany camps ordered by President Nicolas Sarkozy, highlighted the community’s struggles, drawing widespread condemnation from human rights organizations and the European Union and emphasizing the need for more comprehensive and humane policies.